as in cheeks
the part of the body upon which someone sits
I decided to get off my bum and get some exercise
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in beggars
an idle worthless person
if you expect an allowance, you have to do some chores and stop being such a bum
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in hoboes
a homeless wanderer who may beg or steal for a living
I feel sorry for bums and occasionally give them money
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in lounges
to spend time doing nothing
spent most of the summer just bumming around the house
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of bums
David Amsden, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
With both travel and programming budgets under pressure, all markets have to make a strong case to get buyer and seller bums on seats (or, more accurately, into screening booths and meeting rooms).
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2025
Ndiaye aside, Everton have long lacked bums-off-seats kinds of players.
—Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2025
Available in a wide range of playful patterns, from garden vegetables and beach bums to this swimmer style, the colorful shoulder bag has landed a cult following for its ability to add some fun to any look without taking itself too seriously.
—Lauren Alexis Fisher, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
The level of luxury she’s introduced with Barracuda is a stark contrast to the humbler quarters generally associated with backpackers and itinerant surf bums, which still make up the majority of Itacaré’s lodging options.
—David Amsden, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
With both travel and programming budgets under pressure, all markets have to make a strong case to get buyer and seller bums on seats (or, more accurately, into screening booths and meeting rooms).
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2025
Ndiaye aside, Everton have long lacked bums-off-seats kinds of players.
—Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2025
Available in a wide range of playful patterns, from garden vegetables and beach bums to this swimmer style, the colorful shoulder bag has landed a cult following for its ability to add some fun to any look without taking itself too seriously.
—Lauren Alexis Fisher, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
Verb
The cranky and irritating backseat driver, who bums a lift midway through the Griswolds' adventure, also has with her the easily excitable pooch Dinky.
—Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bums
Verb
-
Challengers, including conservative advocacy groups, argue the law unconstitutionally chills political speech and participation.—
Taylor Seely,
AZCentral.com,
27 Sep. 2025
-
This kind of political pressure on broadcasters and artists chills free speech and threatens the livelihoods of thousands of working Americans.—
Caitlin Huston,
HollywoodReporter,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
When the door opens, Bear strolls in, his front leg covered in paint—clear evidence of his accidental mischief.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
-
In New York City, Sydney Sweeney strolls through Bryant Park with entertainment investor beau Scooter Braun, while Mariska Hargitay and Kelli Giddish take to the streets to film new episodes of Law and Order.—
Toria Sheffield,
PEOPLE,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
And while much of it rests on tradition, this dish’s combination of crispy skin and tender meat appeals to anyone who loves delicious food.—
Taylor Tobin,
Southern Living,
5 Nov. 2025
-
The ship now rests in two pieces around 53 miles northwest of Boulder Reef in Lake Michigan.—
Sarah Moore,
Freep.com,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The military plays only an advisory role in the American system, giving input to the president’s deliberations but not otherwise independently adjudicating whether his or her decision is wise.—
Peter D. Feaver,
Foreign Affairs,
12 Nov. 2025
-
Ahead of Sunday’s premiere, Randolph and actress Ali Larter, who plays Ainsley’s mother on the show, spoke to the Star-Telegram about the Norris family dynamic going into season 2.—
Brayden Garcia,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The insurance company may then delay or deny the request, which kicks back the paperwork to the doctor’s office and starts the entire process all over again.—
Forbes.com,
Forbes.com,
26 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
But while the new movie dawdles on its way to Toxie’s origins, then rushes toward a finale with a lurching rhythm that verges on calculated ineptitude, its spirit never feels inauthentic.—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Somebody does something terrible and messes it up.—
Giana Levy,
Variety,
31 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bums.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bums. Accessed 20 Nov. 2025.
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